Stephen H. Szwech

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Stephen H. Szwech announce his passing on July 1st, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Son of Stephan and Helen Szwech, Steve is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Nancy, and their four children Diane (David) VanGrouw, Stephen (Donna), Susan Sobbott, and Thomas (Kim). His grandchildren, Jeffrey, Scott, Kevin, and Alyson Garino, Lauren Mulryan, Karen Fredericks, Stephen Szwech, Jeremiah and Leah Druckenmiller, and Samuel Szwech; and his great grandchildren, Theo and Bennet Fredericks, and Hannah Mulryan mourn his loss. He was a loving brother to his surviving sister, Violet Schopf. He was predeceased by his brother John, and half-brothers Alex, Frank, Joseph, Walter, and his half-sister, Lily.

The son of Polish immigrants, Steve was raised in a large and devout family who settled in the thriving Polish community of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where he attended school and was an alter server at St. Stanislaus Kostka parish, and where he learned to recite his prayers in Polish. Steve joined the United States Marine Corps at 17 and served his country overseas during the Korean war. Upon his return, he went to school and trained as a specialist in transportation and shipping logistics. A pioneer in the industry, in 1974 he established his own company, Same Day Service, at the forefront of the growing demand for time-sensitive delivery. He grew the business into an over the road trucking company, and worked around the clock in service of his customers.

Steve met Nancy Imbrosciano at a wedding, where they shared the first of many dances throughout their lives, regularly impressing their families with their magical polkas. Armed with a quick wit, strong opinions and a generous spirit, he was a staple at family parties characterized by an abundance of food, lively debate and card games at both the Imbrosicano and Szwech households. The couple were married and moved to New Jersey in 1957 to raise their growing family, ultimately settling in Westwood. Steve and Nancy were entirely dedicated to each other and their children, and their Westwood home ultimately became the loving center of many family gatherings. He was a Mets and Jets fan, as well as an avid bowler, who once took a perfect game into the last frame. Steve was meticulous with his lawn and garden, much to the delight of his neighbors.

Steve’s greatest joy was his grandchildren. He loved building sandcastles at the Jersey shore, playing pick-up sticks and matchbox cars. He was a regular fan at football, softball, field hockey, basketball, baseball and soccer games, dance recitals, plays, concerts, and too many to count graduations, first communions, and confirmations. Tootsie rolls would always appear when Grandad was around, and his grandchildren always knew where to find the stash of sweet and salty treats. Steve’s heart burst with pride at the accomplishments of his family, in particular the decision of several of his grandchildren to pursue careers in public service; through law enforcement, and the military. While not always expressed in words, his deep love was spoken through his actions, always ready to take on any challenge for those he loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Parkinson's foundation.

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